Attention! This offer does not apply anymore. Unfortunately were too few people interested. But because you can find some useful general information in the old "ad" here it is:
If you are interested in Turkey, enjoy Christian companionship, the great outdoors and meeting other people, this might just be the type of holiday that would interest you. If you also enjoy living simply and can do without modern luxuries for a week, read on.
This is a holiday offer with a difference!
The intention is to explore this fascinating country in a small group, not merely as tourists, but in order to gain a genuine insight into Turkish life and culture. We expect to encounter hospitable people as they go about their everyday lives.
Although our destinations attract many tourists, particularly in the summer, because of the beauty of the natural landscape (the province of Muğla is well known for its beautiful beaches), we will generally be exploring paths less frequented by tourists.
Our first week will be a “normal” holiday spent in Muğla (the capital of the province bearing the same name, which boasts the famous seaside resorts of Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye).
Although Muğla is the provincial capital and a university town, it has retained the character of a small Turkish town. Its scenic old town, built on a mountainside, is reminiscent of Greece because of its narrow alleyways and whitewashed houses.
We will stay in a beautifully restored old house there, one of the historically protected “Muğla houses”, in the old part of town with an abundance of artistically crafted wood and a beautiful inner courtyard with olive and pomegranate trees.
You can still see traditional craft activities there and often get the impression that the “Ustas” (master craftsmen) don’t ply their trade for money, but that finance is merely a peripheral issue.
The mountain above the old town is also quite special. It is easy to get to the top and up there you will find ruins and be rewarded by a superb view of the town.
Don’t miss the colourful and lively weekly market either, even if you don’t actually want to buy anything.
Muğla is situated approximately 600m above sea level and after a journey through idyllic countryside lasting approximately half an hour, you reach the sea.
There are still some quiet and extremely beautiful bathing spots, which have not yet been overrun by tourists.
Some of the biblical locations are also relatively close and can be visited on a one-day excursion, e.g. Hierapolis above the famous limestone sinter terraces of Pamukkale as well as Laodicea and Colossae close to Denizli.
It is also possible to go to Ephesus nearby modern day Selçuk.
As well as bathing and excursions, we will spend time each day worshipping God and studying the Bible together.
My friend, Hans-Jürgen, who runs the office of CRG Travel here, and has lived in this area with his family for several years, will acquaint us with land and people.
Muğla is an ideal gentle introduction to the “real” Turkey; much remains unspoilt and genuinely “Turkish” because it is not situated directly on the coast, quite the opposite of nearby Marmaris. Nevertheless, its inhabitants are used to tourists and some (particularly the students) create a modern impression.
Even in the hot summer months, Muğla’s location (set away from coast and above sea level) ensures it has a pleasant temperature.
Our first holiday week in Muğla is particularly suitable for families with children. Incidentally, Turkish people love children and families with children (the more the better) find a place in the heart of the people.
For the hiking week in Cappadocia, it is recommended that children are slightly older because we will be on foot for 3-5 hours per day. At the end of the first week we will travel by private luxury coach to Cappadocia.
Buses within Turkey are comfortable; tea and coffee are served during the journey and rest stops are made every 2-3 hours.
We will probably take the overnight bus because it will bring us to our destination at the right time: daybreak.
It is at this stage that our trip turns into an “alternative” holiday. We will explore most places on foot and discover land and culture more intensively than the “average” holiday maker.
Sometimes we’ll have to do without everyday items such as a flushing toilet with toilet paper.
The food will also be Turkish and we will usually eat with Turkish families i.e. we will sit on the floor and not always have individual plates. We’ll drink water or Ayran (a yoghurt drink) instead of beer or lemonade.
After the meal it would be impolite to decline tea and conversation. If you don’t understand Turkish at all, this might seem to take a while!
We also want to respect the feelings of the villagers and clothe ourselves and behave accordingly. The main points of contention are alcohol and revealing clothing (on occasion this might even means short trousers).
Of course, even in a small Anatolian village, tourists are excused much, but if we really want to touch the hearts of these people, we shouldn’t ignore these sensitive issues.
For the hiking trip, you should bring light walking boots, a small rucksack with a torch and container for a drink and be fit enough to manage 4 - 5 hours walking each day.
Given Cappadocia’s high elevation (1000-1300m), the temperature cools down significantly in the evening, even in summer. We recommend that you bring a piece of warmer clothing (this is also applies to the overnight bus!) and leave your rain jacket behind. Despite this, it still gets scorching hot during the day!
Our accommodation will be in Ortahisar, a village at the heart of Cappadocia’s lunar landscape of cliff pyramids, cave apartments, more than a thousand year old churches and convent colonies.
Even though some of the region’s leading tourist attractions, such as the open air museum at Göreme, are only a few kilometres away, like Muğla this area has not been changed by tourism and has remained virtually unspoilt.
In both weeks our accommodation will be in very beautiful old houses, typical of the area.
However, in Ortahisar the accommodation is very simple. There is only a (Turkish) WC and no running water in any room; a well and simple washing facilities are in the courtyard.
Since November 2002, as well as a small wash-hand basin with mirror and plug point, there is also a shower (hot water!) below the staircase behind a wall topped with flower pots.
The rooms are also typical of those in a very old Cappadocian house, most with open fireplace and a chest instead of a wardrobe.
Basically, you will be spending a few days living like people used to do (even in the West) 50 – 70 years ago. Of course, people washed themselves in those days too, and in three rooms there is a sort of shower.
However, the bath cannot be compared with its modern day equivalent and getting washed can be quite an involved process, but perhaps considered a novel experience during the holiday.
Ideally, you should regard the time (no wardrobe, bathtub, television) as an opportunity to experience history and culture at first hand. I am convinced that this experience will allow us to see and experience more. And I mean “experience” in the truest sense of the word.
Usually there are 2 or 3 guests to a room, when there are the desired number of participants (8-10 people).
Each guest is responsible for their own arrival and departure arrangements.
The closest airports to Muğla are Bodrum-Milas and Dalaman. Even Izmir (3.5 hours away by bus) is not too far away. A bus journey to Muğla from Istanbul takes about 10 hours.
With regard to the return journey from Cappadocia, there is an airport not far from Nevşehir, but at the moment there are only two flights to Istanbul each week with THY.
Kayseri, 90 km away, also has an airport. In summer it has direct flights to and from Europe. The capital, Ankara, is 4 - 5 hours away by bus.
There is also a direct overnight bus to Istanbul and, since 2002, also a bus which runs directly to the airport in Ankara (departing Ortahisar at midnight, 1 o’clock in the morning from Nevşehir, arriving Ankara Airport at 5:30 hrs).
You can also get to Turkey by bus or train. This is for those of a more adventurous disposition and, in actual fact, only the bus works out cheaper than a flight. If you have enough time, the ferry crossing from Italy is a scenic alternative route.
You should check with a travel agent or on the internet for flight prices from your local airports.
In Turkey itself between 15-20 Euros per day should be adequate to cover accommodation, food and transport costs (we won’t just be travelling on foot).
This rough budget also applies to our holiday offer. Extras such as long distance phone calls, taxi fares, gifts and other miscellaneous purchases are not included.
You will definitely need money over and above the budget because many things are much cheaper in Turkey than in our home countries. This is particularly true of craft work for which we would pay several times as much at home.
During our trip we will visit Avanos with its numerous potteries and, if you are courageous and artistic enough, you can even try your hand at the potter’s wheel!
If you want to be sure of enjoying this holiday with a difference, you should:
have the desire to meet people and learn about their culture and lives
be able to do without luxuries for a short time (at least during the hiking week)
not be too much of an individualist. In Turkey it is almost an unknown concept for each person in a group to have their own particular view about an activity.
not necessarily measure everything by your own standards (e.g. cleanliness and hygiene)
not have too delicate a stomach (the local food is good and easily digestible), but unusual to newcomers.
be willing to accommodate the sensitivities of other people, even if it does sometimes cost you personally (maybe a slightly less intense suntan!) and not everything seems particularly obvious.
enjoy hiking (in week 2), meeting local people, a simple way of life and Christian fellowship.
be able to see a good side to things (e.g. the very loud cries of the Muezzin and the unfixed prices). For example, you could try and be glad to have been woken up early to enjoy sunrise and enter into the spirit of haggling over a price.
It is possible for guests to arrive and depart a couple of days earlier or later. Mid week flights may be cheaper and you might want to spend a few days doing something on your own.
You could even stay an extra week and explore Cappadocia under your own steam (or mountain bike).
You can choose to take part in either or both weeks.
In conclusion, let me to summarise the plus points of this holiday offer:
You will experience real life in Turkey and get an insight into the lives of its inhabitants. To do this, you will eat with ordinary Turkish families as well as having contact with tourist office staff.
In the company of other Christians, you will have the opportunity to explore two of Turkey’s most beautiful and fascinating regions in a very special way.
Hans-Jürgen, who will accompany us, has extensive knowledge of Turkish language, country and culture.
We will be accommodated in beautiful old Turkish houses full of history and atmosphere.
Christian fellowship will be a key feature of the holiday.
The minor drawback:
The holidays have only been organised since 2000 and experience is limited. The hiking week, in particular, may get better with each succeeding year.
If you are interested in receiving further information about dates and costs for this year, please contact me directly.
This offer does not apply in 2003 due to difficulties arranging dates!
If you want to know more about Muğla and the region we will be staying in, click here. It is probably that we will be accommodated for the week in the “Orient” house.
A photo album with pictures from the holidays in 2000 and 2001 is planned.
It will give you a clearer picture of the holiday (in every sense of the word), but will take a little time to compile.
If you are interested in Turkey, enjoy Christian companionship, the great outdoors and meeting other people, this might just be the type of holiday that would interest you. If you also enjoy living simply and can do without modern luxuries for a week, read on.
This is a holiday offer with a difference!
The intention is to explore this fascinating country in a small group, not merely as tourists, but in order to gain a genuine insight into Turkish life and culture. We expect to encounter hospitable people as they go about their everyday lives.
Although our destinations attract many tourists, particularly in the summer, because of the beauty of the natural landscape (the province of Muğla is well known for its beautiful beaches), we will generally be exploring paths less frequented by tourists.
Our first week will be a “normal” holiday spent in Muğla (the capital of the province bearing the same name, which boasts the famous seaside resorts of Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye).
Although Muğla is the provincial capital and a university town, it has retained the character of a small Turkish town. Its scenic old town, built on a mountainside, is reminiscent of Greece because of its narrow alleyways and whitewashed houses.
We will stay in a beautifully restored old house there, one of the historically protected “Muğla houses”, in the old part of town with an abundance of artistically crafted wood and a beautiful inner courtyard with olive and pomegranate trees.
You can still see traditional craft activities there and often get the impression that the “Ustas” (master craftsmen) don’t ply their trade for money, but that finance is merely a peripheral issue.
The mountain above the old town is also quite special. It is easy to get to the top and up there you will find ruins and be rewarded by a superb view of the town.
Don’t miss the colourful and lively weekly market either, even if you don’t actually want to buy anything.
Muğla is situated approximately 600m above sea level and after a journey through idyllic countryside lasting approximately half an hour, you reach the sea.
There are still some quiet and extremely beautiful bathing spots, which have not yet been overrun by tourists.
Some of the biblical locations are also relatively close and can be visited on a one-day excursion, e.g. Hierapolis above the famous limestone sinter terraces of Pamukkale as well as Laodicea and Colossae close to Denizli.
It is also possible to go to Ephesus nearby modern day Selçuk.
As well as bathing and excursions, we will spend time each day worshipping God and studying the Bible together.
My friend, Hans-Jürgen, who runs the office of CRG Travel here, and has lived in this area with his family for several years, will acquaint us with land and people.
Muğla is an ideal gentle introduction to the “real” Turkey; much remains unspoilt and genuinely “Turkish” because it is not situated directly on the coast, quite the opposite of nearby Marmaris. Nevertheless, its inhabitants are used to tourists and some (particularly the students) create a modern impression.
Even in the hot summer months, Muğla’s location (set away from coast and above sea level) ensures it has a pleasant temperature.
Our first holiday week in Muğla is particularly suitable for families with children. Incidentally, Turkish people love children and families with children (the more the better) find a place in the heart of the people.
For the hiking week in Cappadocia, it is recommended that children are slightly older because we will be on foot for 3-5 hours per day. At the end of the first week we will travel by private luxury coach to Cappadocia.
Buses within Turkey are comfortable; tea and coffee are served during the journey and rest stops are made every 2-3 hours.
We will probably take the overnight bus because it will bring us to our destination at the right time: daybreak.
It is at this stage that our trip turns into an “alternative” holiday. We will explore most places on foot and discover land and culture more intensively than the “average” holiday maker.
Sometimes we’ll have to do without everyday items such as a flushing toilet with toilet paper.
The food will also be Turkish and we will usually eat with Turkish families i.e. we will sit on the floor and not always have individual plates. We’ll drink water or Ayran (a yoghurt drink) instead of beer or lemonade.
After the meal it would be impolite to decline tea and conversation. If you don’t understand Turkish at all, this might seem to take a while!
We also want to respect the feelings of the villagers and clothe ourselves and behave accordingly. The main points of contention are alcohol and revealing clothing (on occasion this might even means short trousers).
Of course, even in a small Anatolian village, tourists are excused much, but if we really want to touch the hearts of these people, we shouldn’t ignore these sensitive issues.
For the hiking trip, you should bring light walking boots, a small rucksack with a torch and container for a drink and be fit enough to manage 4 - 5 hours walking each day.
Given Cappadocia’s high elevation (1000-1300m), the temperature cools down significantly in the evening, even in summer. We recommend that you bring a piece of warmer clothing (this is also applies to the overnight bus!) and leave your rain jacket behind. Despite this, it still gets scorching hot during the day!
Our accommodation will be in Ortahisar, a village at the heart of Cappadocia’s lunar landscape of cliff pyramids, cave apartments, more than a thousand year old churches and convent colonies.
Even though some of the region’s leading tourist attractions, such as the open air museum at Göreme, are only a few kilometres away, like Muğla this area has not been changed by tourism and has remained virtually unspoilt.
In both weeks our accommodation will be in very beautiful old houses, typical of the area.
However, in Ortahisar the accommodation is very simple. There is only a (Turkish) WC and no running water in any room; a well and simple washing facilities are in the courtyard.
Since November 2002, as well as a small wash-hand basin with mirror and plug point, there is also a shower (hot water!) below the staircase behind a wall topped with flower pots.
The rooms are also typical of those in a very old Cappadocian house, most with open fireplace and a chest instead of a wardrobe.
Basically, you will be spending a few days living like people used to do (even in the West) 50 – 70 years ago. Of course, people washed themselves in those days too, and in three rooms there is a sort of shower.
However, the bath cannot be compared with its modern day equivalent and getting washed can be quite an involved process, but perhaps considered a novel experience during the holiday.
Ideally, you should regard the time (no wardrobe, bathtub, television) as an opportunity to experience history and culture at first hand. I am convinced that this experience will allow us to see and experience more. And I mean “experience” in the truest sense of the word.
Usually there are 2 or 3 guests to a room, when there are the desired number of participants (8-10 people).
Each guest is responsible for their own arrival and departure arrangements.
The closest airports to Muğla are Bodrum-Milas and Dalaman. Even Izmir (3.5 hours away by bus) is not too far away. A bus journey to Muğla from Istanbul takes about 10 hours.
With regard to the return journey from Cappadocia, there is an airport not far from Nevşehir, but at the moment there are only two flights to Istanbul each week with THY.
Kayseri, 90 km away, also has an airport. In summer it has direct flights to and from Europe. The capital, Ankara, is 4 - 5 hours away by bus.
There is also a direct overnight bus to Istanbul and, since 2002, also a bus which runs directly to the airport in Ankara (departing Ortahisar at midnight, 1 o’clock in the morning from Nevşehir, arriving Ankara Airport at 5:30 hrs).
You can also get to Turkey by bus or train. This is for those of a more adventurous disposition and, in actual fact, only the bus works out cheaper than a flight. If you have enough time, the ferry crossing from Italy is a scenic alternative route.
You should check with a travel agent or on the internet for flight prices from your local airports.
In Turkey itself between 15-20 Euros per day should be adequate to cover accommodation, food and transport costs (we won’t just be travelling on foot).
This rough budget also applies to our holiday offer. Extras such as long distance phone calls, taxi fares, gifts and other miscellaneous purchases are not included.
You will definitely need money over and above the budget because many things are much cheaper in Turkey than in our home countries. This is particularly true of craft work for which we would pay several times as much at home.
During our trip we will visit Avanos with its numerous potteries and, if you are courageous and artistic enough, you can even try your hand at the potter’s wheel!
If you want to be sure of enjoying this holiday with a difference, you should:
have the desire to meet people and learn about their culture and lives
be able to do without luxuries for a short time (at least during the hiking week)
not be too much of an individualist. In Turkey it is almost an unknown concept for each person in a group to have their own particular view about an activity.
not necessarily measure everything by your own standards (e.g. cleanliness and hygiene)
not have too delicate a stomach (the local food is good and easily digestible), but unusual to newcomers.
be willing to accommodate the sensitivities of other people, even if it does sometimes cost you personally (maybe a slightly less intense suntan!) and not everything seems particularly obvious.
enjoy hiking (in week 2), meeting local people, a simple way of life and Christian fellowship.
be able to see a good side to things (e.g. the very loud cries of the Muezzin and the unfixed prices). For example, you could try and be glad to have been woken up early to enjoy sunrise and enter into the spirit of haggling over a price.
It is possible for guests to arrive and depart a couple of days earlier or later. Mid week flights may be cheaper and you might want to spend a few days doing something on your own.
You could even stay an extra week and explore Cappadocia under your own steam (or mountain bike).
You can choose to take part in either or both weeks.
In conclusion, let me to summarise the plus points of this holiday offer:
You will experience real life in Turkey and get an insight into the lives of its inhabitants. To do this, you will eat with ordinary Turkish families as well as having contact with tourist office staff.
In the company of other Christians, you will have the opportunity to explore two of Turkey’s most beautiful and fascinating regions in a very special way.
Hans-Jürgen, who will accompany us, has extensive knowledge of Turkish language, country and culture.
We will be accommodated in beautiful old Turkish houses full of history and atmosphere.
Christian fellowship will be a key feature of the holiday.
The minor drawback:
The holidays have only been organised since 2000 and experience is limited. The hiking week, in particular, may get better with each succeeding year.
If you are interested in receiving further information about dates and costs for this year, please contact me directly.
This offer does not apply in 2003 due to difficulties arranging dates!
If you want to know more about Muğla and the region we will be staying in, click here. It is probably that we will be accommodated for the week in the “Orient” house.
A photo album with pictures from the holidays in 2000 and 2001 is planned.
It will give you a clearer picture of the holiday (in every sense of the word), but will take a little time to compile.
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